How it works:
Share your skin goals and snap selfies
Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula
Apply nightly for happy, healthy skin
How it works:
How it works:
Share your skin goals and snap selfies
Your dermatology provider prescribes your formula
Apply nightly for happy, healthy skin
How it works:
The best drugstore foundation for acne-prone skin
The best affordable foundations of 2019
Stephanie Papanikolas
Nov 20, 2019 · 4 min read
- blog
- > Skincare Products
- > The best drugstore foundation for acne-prone skin
Using makeup to cover up acne can be tricky — even if you’re a pro at finding your perfect shade match. Foundation can be expensive, and choosing the one that’s right for your unique skin can be ultra confusing. If you’re acne-prone or have sensitive skin, finding a non-comedogenic drugstore foundation is the most budget-friendly way to cover up blemishes without making your breakout worse.
The best drugstore foundations, reviewed
There are plenty of non-comedogenic foundations at the drugstore. I did my research to see what’s currently available in terms of the best cheap foundation. Then, I analyzed each to find ideal matches for common skin concerns based on the product ’s formulation and finish. Without further ado, here are my picks for the best drugstore foundations of 2019.
The best full-coverage foundation
Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation
2-in-1 foundation and concealer makes this super-duper full-coverage
Semi-matte finish that softens the appearance of skin
Designed to work well with all skin types
18 shades from Alabaster to Truffle
The best foundation for mature skin
CoverGirl + Olay Simply Ageless Foundation
Light, buildable coverage
Natural, glowy finish
Cream formula with moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide smooths and fills in skin texture
11 shades from Ivory to Classic Tan; skews pale. For deeper skin tones, check out Black Radiance’s mousse foundation, which is non-comedogenic and creamy, too!
The best foundation for dry skin
Pixi H20 Skintint Foundation
Hydrating formula with moisturizing ingredients creates a glowy finish
Easy to apply (just use your fingers!)
Light, buildable coverage (for full coverage, check out Neutrogena Hydro Boost foundation)
6 shades from Cream to Espresso
The best foundation for combination skin
e.l.f. Studio Flawless Finish Foundation
Satin finish flexes with your face to stay matte in oily parts but not cake onto dry parts
Full-coverage — a little goes a long way
Maintains skin hydration with dimethicone and glycerin
41 shades from Lily to Ebony
The best foundation for oily skin
LA Girl Pro.Matte Foundation
Matte finish keeps your face from getting shiny
Medium, buildable coverage
Minimal blotting necessary with long-lasting wear — especially if you set your makeup!
24 shades from Ivory to Ebony
The best foundation for acne-prone skin
Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup
Salicylic acid is the active ingredient, which can help fight breakouts
Medium, buildable coverage
Satin finish suitable for all skin types
14 shades from Ivory to Chestnut
The best foundation for large pores
Sleek Makeup Lifeproof Foundation
Medium, buildable coverage with a pore-minimizing blur finish
Moisturizing ingredients make this great for dry skin
Combine it with a talc-free setting powder to achieve a more matte, long-lasting look
24 shades from fair to deep
The best foundation cushion
Wet n’ Wild MegaCushion Foundation
Medium, buildable coverage
Liquid formula with moisturizing ingredients leaves a dewy finish
Works well with all skin types
4 shades from Buff Beige to Tawny
The best powder foundation
L’Oreal Paris True Match Loose Powder Mineral Foundation
Tends to work best for oily skin types — if you’re dry, use a moisturizing primer
Mineral powder with kaolin clay makes this gentle on sensitive skin
Light coverage with a matte finish
9 shades ranging from Natural Buff to Natural Beige
Start your free trial (plus shipping and handling)
Ingredients to avoid
One of the downfalls of using just about any cosmetic product is that a lot of common ingredients can be pore-clogging or irritating. If you have sensitive skin, here are some iffy ingredients commonly found in drugstore foundations:
Denatured Alcohol (irritating)
Ethylhexyl Palmitate (pore-clogging)
Glyceryl Stearate SE (pore-clogging)
Glycine Soja Oil (pore-clogging)
Isopropyl Palmitate (pore-clogging)
Isostearyl Neopentanoate (pore-clogging, irritating)
Laureth-4 (pore-clogging, irritating)
Octyl Palmitate (pore-clogging)
Polyglyceryl-3-Diisostearate (pore-clogging)
That said, if your skin tolerates a foundation that contains some of these ingredients, it’s probably fine to keep using it. Keep in mind that the lower an ingredient appears on an ingredient list, the smaller the amount contained in the product.
The trick to happy skin
Common skin woes like acne and signs of aging got you down? Sign up for a free trial of Curology (just pay $4.95 plus tax for shipping and handling), and a dermatology provider will prescribe you a custom cream to treat your unique skin needs. For no additional cost, we’ll throw in your complete non-comedogenic skin routine, with a cleanser and your choice of moisturizer. You don’t have to ride the struggle bus alone — get a free month of Curology and start getting happier, healthier skin today.
Stephanie Papanikolas